Media-Providence Friends School | Dragon Tales Spring 2026 by Cynthia McGoff

DRAGON Tales

SPRING 2026

The Power of “No”: Why Boundaries are an Essential Part of Friends Education

By: Maggie Greening, Preschool Age 2 Lead Teacher

In an era of “how-to” parenting guides and the rise of gentle parenting trends, many families strive for a “perfect” balance. We want our children to be happy and to avoid conflict. It’s a beautiful sentiment, but in our focus on emotional connection, the importance of boundary setting can sometimes be overlooked.

At Media-Providence Friends School, we believe that providing clear boundaries isn’t a modern parenting “hack” — it is a core part of a Friends education that dates back over 300 years.

A Tradition of Self-Discipline

Long before modern “gentle parenting” entered the lexicon, Friends schools were practicing the balance of freedom and responsibility. We believe that every child has an “Inner Light,” but we also recognize that children need a sturdy framework to let that light shine effectively.

To let a child do as they please without developing self-control is not “freedom”—it is actually a disservice to their growth. Children crave boundaries because limits provide the safety required for true exploration. By teaching what a “good decision” looks like, we are gifting them self-control, patience, and the ability to listen to their own inner teacher.

Respect as a Foundation

In a Friends community, we emphasize our testimony of Equality and Community. This means teaching children that their actions impact those around them. Whether it’s learning not to hit or respecting a neighbor’s property, these are early lessons in emotional awareness. By saying “no” and enforcing respect, we help our children navigate the world with empathy and a sense of shared responsibility.

Building the Resilience Muscle

Disappointment is an inevitable part of life. If a child never hears “no” at home, their first encounter with it in the real world can feel overwhelming.

Coping is a skill, and like any skill, it requires practice. When we allow children to experience and manage the frustration of a boundary, we are helping them build resilience. A child who enters school having practiced how to handle “no” is a child who is ready to face challenges with confidence and “query” their own reactions to difficulty.

Simple Language, Confident Guidance

As children develop, they process information best through short, concise directives. While we may be tempted to speak to them as peers, long explanations can be confusing. Being a “confident guide” for your child means delivering simple instructions. Saying “no” firmly and confidently isn’t harsh — it is a necessary tool to help them make sense of the world.

Teacher Maggie poses on campus with her sons Gus (Preschool Age 3) and Fran (Kindergarten)

LETTER FROM The Head of School Jon Hall

To the MPFS Community, Few books have had an impact on me the way Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation has. As both a parent and an educator, I consider it a must-read. One thing I strive to avoid at all costs is alarmism; it rarely turns out to be accurate and often only makes things worse. However, this book is a true call to action. My worry is that not nearly enough people are aware of the critical information it shares.

Haidt argues that beginning in the early 2010s, a “great rewiring” of childhood occurred. This was driven by the rapid adoption of smartphones and social media, combined with a decline in unsupervised free play and a rise in over-protective parenting. The data is sobering: rates of adolescent anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide have risen sharply since 2010. This surge correlates directly with the shift from a playbased childhood to a phone-based childhood.

The Four Foundational Harms

Haidt identifies four specific ways this rewiring harms our children’s development:

1. Social Deprivation: A decline in face-to-face, peer-to-peer interaction.

2. Sleep Deprivation: The blue light and “always-on” nature of devices disrupting essential rest.

3. Attention Fragmentation: Constant notifications and appswitching that prevent deep focus.

4. Addiction: A biological dependence on digital loops and social feedback.

These harms undermine the very things we value most for our students: building resilience, practicing autonomous decision-making, and forming deep friendships. We are facing a paradox where children are overprotected in the physical world but dangerously under-protected online.

Taking Action: Three Steps for Families Haidt lays out clear paths for parents and schools to reverse these trends. Here are three takeaways you can implement immediately:

1. Delay Smartphones and Social Media Haidt’s strongest recommendation is to provide a basic, non-smart phone— or no phone at all—until at least high school. He suggests delaying full social media access until age 16.

• Action: Decide on a clear age for these milestones and communicate it to your child and fellow parents so your child doesn’t feel isolated. Create a family agreement regarding when and how devices are used.

2. Prioritize Unstructured, Unsupervised Play

Children benefit immensely from outdoor play with minimal adult oversight. This is where they learn to manage risk and resolve conflict.

Dr. Jon Hall, Ed.D.

Middle school students exploring Glen Providence Park, an outdoor science lab and classroom extension just a short walk from the Media-Providence Friends School campus. HEAD OF SCHOOL… l Continued

• Action: Carve out blocks of time each week for your child to meet neighborhood friends outside without constant oversight. Encourage walking or biking to local parks and try to reduce “organized” scheduled activities in favor of “free” time.

3. Create Device-Free Zones

Establish clear boundaries to protect sleep and concentrated attention.

• Action: Establish a firm rule—no smartphones in bedrooms after a specific time (e.g., 8:00 PM) and charge them in a common area overnight. Designate car rides or family meals as “tech-free” to allow for face-to-face conversation.

Parenting is the hardest job many of us will ever have. Saying no to certain technology, allowing for mistakes and failures, and putting aside our own anxiety so that our children may grow up with less of it—these are difficult tasks. But there is no better payoff than seeing our children grow up mentally healthy and capable of managing their lives independently. Every sacrifice is worth that reward.

In partnership,

Jon Hall, Ed. D. Head of School

@mediaprovidencefriendsschool

Customers Bank: Presenting Sponsor and Community Champion

We proudly recognize Customers Bank as our 2025–26 Dragon Champion, serving as the Presenting Sponsor for both key fundraising events—Dazzle’s Drive for Education Golf Tournament and Dazzle

Our Dragon’s Auction. Their generous support and year-round partnership reflect a shared belief in the power of community, connection, and educational excellence.

As a multi-event sponsor, Customers Bank enjoys VIP visibility across both events, including premier logo placement, recognition in digital and print materials, and hospitality access at each celebration. Their consistent involvement helps ensure both beloved traditions continue to grow in impact—supporting vital programs and opportunities for MPFS students.

MPFS is proud to be a customer of Customers Bank, and this partnership is strengthened through the guidance of Denise Payne, Vice President, Small Business Lender, who serves as our dedicated representative: “We at Customers Bank pride ourselves on assisting with student education. I am grateful that MPFS has given us the opportunity to partner with them.”

MPFS is also a valued customer of Customers Bank, and this partnership exemplifies how local organizations can work hand in hand to advance shared goals. Through their multi-event commitment, Customers Bank helps sustain the spirit of generosity and collaboration that defines the MPFS community.

We extend heartfelt thanks to Customers Bank for their leadership and continued investment in our mission—and we invite other community partners to join us as sponsors in the upcoming year. Together, we make meaningful learning experiences possible for every MPFS student.

@media.providence.friends

youtube.com/@mediaprovidencefriendsschool

Beyond the Comfort Zone:

MPFS Fifth Graders Build Perseverance that Powers Academic Growth at Echo Hill

At Media-Providence Friends School (MPFS), we believe that education extends beyond the classroom walls, particularly when it comes to nurturing core values like resilience and community. This past fall, our fifth-grade students embarked on a transformative trip to Echo Hill Outdoor School, where they faced unexpected challenges that ultimately strengthened their inner resolve.

We spoke with fifth-grade teacher Shana Wright about the powerful lessons in resilience the students brought back to MPFS.

Defining the Challenge:

The Uncomfortable Outdoors

When asked about the most significant challenge of the trip, the answer wasn’t the high ropes or a complex science task—it was the living conditions.

The reality of the A-frame platform tents quickly became the students’ greatest hurdle. With flaps covering the sides, everyone was exposed to the elements—the heat, then freezing temperatures, and rain. Adding to the discomfort were the constant presence of stink bugs, Daddy long legs, and spiders, necessitating being tucked into bug nets each night. Even the basics were a challenge; the communal bathrooms were less than pleasant, and showering and brushing teeth were done outside.

The initial reaction was a mix of discomfort and complaining. Yet, this challenging environment demanded rapid adaptation. Students who were unprepared for the elements had to quickly improvise or borrow materials, demonstrating early signs of problem-solving and interdependence. Somehow, everyone took it on and adjusted as best they could.

The Moment of Resilience: Taking the Leap

The true measure of resilience often comes in a single, high-stakes moment. For one student, this was on the “big swing.”

The student was prepared, strapped into all the harnesses and helmet, and had climbed the ladder. Everyone on the ground worked together to pull them high into the air. But as they reached the peak, the student froze. They were supposed to pull the rope to release themselves, but they simply couldn’t do it; they wanted to come down.

Everyone on the ground—their classmates, the counselors, and the teachers—started cheering them on and encouraging them. The teacher shared a life motto with the student, a phrase repeated to the entire class before the trip: “Be afraid and do it anyway.” After a moment of powerful collective encouragement, the student finally pulled the rope and had a great time swinging. To the immense pride of everyone present, they even did it a second time when the chance came! This story beautifully illustrates how resilience is often not the absence of fear, but the courage to act in its presence.

The Strength of Friends Community

The foundation of the students’ success lay in the Friends values of community and mutual support. While there was occasional bickering, this class truly showed up for each other when times got tough. They were constantly cheering people on, collaborating on tasks, and being helpful and thoughtful. Whether they were battling bugs in a tent or pulling a classmate up on the swing, the spirit of encouragement and collaboration was the essential ingredient that helped students find the inner strength to persevere.

The Teacher’s Role: Coaching for Open-Mindedness

MPFS staff helped coach students out of the “I can’t” mindset by fostering open-mindedness. Whenever a student wasn’t looking forward to an activity or thought it sounded boring, the consistent message was: “Be open-minded, you never know what could happen.”

By challenging initial assumptions, teachers empowered students to view new experiences as opportunities. Consistently, students would return from a dreaded activity only to report that it had been enjoyable—often one of their favorites.

Lasting Impact: Carrying Resilience Back to MPFS

The true goal of the trip was to build lasting skills. The teacher noted a significant change in the classroom upon their return.

Meet Our New Trustees

JILLIAN OBERFIELD

Jillian is a dedicated professional and team player with over 20 years of experience in government consulting, policy, education, the non-profit sector, and both state and federal legislatures. With a background in multi-stakeholder processes, strategic communications, advocacy training, and community engagement, she has focused on both children’s and health policy and national service. A reliable liaison with strong outreach, relationship-building, problem-solving, and organizational skills, she has authored and presented key data and materials to various audiences, including elected representatives and legislative staff at local, state, and federal levels, boards of directors, philanthropists, and business leaders. Her career has focused on community improvement and creating positive change. In her current role, she supports federal clients with executive leadership support, change management, materials design, communication strategy, and process improvement.

Before the trip, students often had an “instant reaction” in challenging subjects like math, saying, “I don’t get this,” or, “I don’t understand.” When they returned, however, a shift had occurred. Teachers began seeing them asking for help more, reading through things, and trying a problem first before immediately giving up.

If resilience means bouncing back stronger, the most significant lesson the fifth graders brought back from Echo Hill is the foundational strength “to always try something first.” They embraced trying different foods, activities, sleeping arrangements, and living with one another in a challenging environment. This cultivated habit now translates directly into their academic and social lives at Media-Providence Friends School.

NICK STANEK

Nick is deeply engaged in the MPFS community, balancing family life and leadership with a spirit of service. He and his wife Cabrina are parents of three children — two currently enrolled students and one recent alum.

Nick joined the Board of Trustees in 2025, reflecting his dedication to the school’s growth and success. Professionally, Nick serves as a Corporate Banking relationship manager for TD Bank, where he builds banking relationships across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. His career has also included similar roles at PNC Bank and M&T Bank, overseeing clients throughout the Delaware Valley territory.

His wife Cabrina contributes her time and talents to the school, supporting the annual Auction, serving as a Dragon Buddy, and participating in open houses and new family orientations, as well as other school partnership initiatives. Outside of his professional and volunteer commitments, Nick enjoys spending his free time watching his children play sports from the sidelines — whether it’s at the field, court, or pitch.

Jacob Kleinman Phillips ʼ09: Designing with Purpose

Jacob Kleinman Phillips is the CEO and Brand Strategist of Touchpoint Design, a creative agency specializing in brand identity and marketing strategy. He is also the founder of Good Vibrations Recovery, a nonprofit recovery house for women. Driven by purpose and creativity, Jacob builds businesses that make a difference by connecting design with community impact. A lifelong learner, Jacob has worked with a business coach for more than three years to continually refine his leadership, communication, and strategy skills. He describes his career as “always leveling up — both personally and professionally.”

Teaching and mentorship are central to Jacob’s life. He volunteers with local nonprofits, brings student interns into agency projects, and mentors design students across the country, including through a weeklong mentorship at SCAD Atlanta, a guest lecture series at Cal State Long Beach, and a yearlong teacher residency at Marlborough College in England. “I’m very immersed in giving back,” Jacob shares. “It’s all about inspiring the next generation through creativity and connection.”

In 2025, Jacob and his twin sister, Shayana, celebrated their 30th birthdays and the fifth anniversary of Touchpoint

Design by hosting Milestone Mash, a community celebration that brought together clients, friends, and family for games, fundraising, and reflection. The event raised thousands for nonprofit partners and reminded Jacob that business, at its best, brings people together.

Outside of work, Jacob plays shortstop in a men’s fast-pitch baseball league and stays active in the baseball world, recently attending a Savannah Bananas game at Citizens Bank Park — a full-circle moment, since he once played at their original home field, Historic Grayson Stadium, as a SCAD student. His twin sister Shayna, currently deployed on the USS Gerald R. Ford, remains one of his biggest inspirations.

Reflecting on his years at Media-Providence Friends School, Jacob emphasizes how MPFS laid the foundation for his learning and leadership. “The richness of the experiences at MPFS really made me who I am,” he says. “Each teacher had their own unique style, and our trip to New Mexico opened my eyes to culture, curiosity, and community.” He especially loved the annual Halloween Parade, including the year Coach Doug burst through fog as Spider-Man, swinging into the gym to cheers. “It felt like we were in a movie!”

Jacob Kleinman Phillips ’09 CEO & Brand Strategist, Touchpoint Design | Glen Mills, PA Jake@touchpoint-design.com instagram.com/jacob.kleinmanphillips

His message for today’s MPFS families: “Don’t be afraid to own your voice and who you are. MPFS gives you space to explore, question, and learn through experience. Lean in to what you believe in — it’s what will guide you to your purpose and allow you to be your most authentic self.” Jacob remains connected to MPFS through alum activities and hopes to mentor current students and support future celebrations, including the school’s 150th anniversary.

MPFS named best Summer Camp & Preschool

MPFS was named a Talk of the Town Favorite for Best Summer Camp & Preschool for 2025! This fantastic achievement was a testament to the outstanding dedication and passion of our camp staff, who made each summer special and memorable, as well as our preschool staff, whose year-round commitment ensured a nurturing environment for our youngest students. Register for Summer Friends at mpfs.org/camp and learn more about school admissions at mpfs.org/admissions.